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Hurricanes see Tebow in Cats QB

Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the Wildcats' 37-0 romp over Kent State on Saturday in Manhattan.

MANHATTAN — Kansas State is going on the road with a sluggish offense and an unproven quarterback, the kind of scenario that could have a defense sharpening its fangs.

If Miami sees a weakness to exploit in quarterback Collin Klein, though, the Hurricanes are masking it well.

“They have a great quarterback,” linebacker Sean Spence said. “He has great feet. He can throw the ball pretty well.

“He’s one of the best running quarterbacks I’ve seen since Tim Tebow.”

That comparison sparked a sheepish grin from Klein, K-State’s junior quarterback. His numbers through two games, though solid, aren’t exactly Tebow-esque — 22-for-39 passing (56 percent) and an average of 4.9 yards on the ground.

K-State’s offense has been underwhelming as a whole, but Klein said the Wildcats haven’t approached their ceiling.

“I think there’s a lot remaining in the tank,” he said. “I’m an optimist.”

Tapping that potential might be necessary if K-State hopes to upset the Hurricanes. Klein has ample room to improve after two starts, but he is trending in the right direction, said coach Bill Snyder.

“Improved,” Snyder said, asked to assess Klein’s play against Kent State. “He’s just gradually doing what we anticipate and hope for with all of our players. Can he get better? He’s done that. He’s two-for-two.”

The quarterback running game, Klein’s forte, started to click against Kent State, as Klein ran for 139 yards on 19 carries.

The Hurricanes expect a healthy dose of quarterback keepers from Klein on Saturday, and with good reason: Through two games, Klein has as many rushing attempts (44) as K-State’s four running backs combined.

Asked how the Wildcats plan to distribute carries against Miami, Snyder turned to sports information director Kenny Lannou with a wry smile.

“Kenny, you want to go check with our offensive coordinator and have him send the game plan?” Snyder said.

Klein’s only other road start came in last year’s loss at Colorado, a factor the Wildcats will consider as they scheme for Miami. Snyder isn’t worried about Klein’s composure in a hostile setting, but he acknowledged the element of unknown.

“I don’t have a concern about it,” Snyder said. “That doesn’t mean something couldn’t happen, but he’s a very composed young man.”

Though Miami offered nothing but praise, Klein understands the Hurricanes will be gunning to expose any weakness they can find.